A History Of Chu (Volume 2)

The fruit of late historian and accomplished Chu expert Zhang Zhengming’s long and dedicated research, A History of Chu reveals the intriguing history of a powerful feudal state in the Zhou dynasty. Chu, once deemed southern “barbarians,” gradually rose to prominence on the shores of the Yangtze as the Zhou court weakened. With King Zhuang recognized as hegemonial lord towards the late Spring and Autumn period, the Chu subdued many Central Plain states and eventually survived into the Warring States period as a major power. From its emergence to the realization of its ambitious conquests and regional hegemony, the Chu state, with its vast territory, boasted a culture that was distinctly different from the Central Plain states. 

Zhang Zhengming spent years studying and gathering both historical records and archaeological finds, carefully compiling his findings into a Chu-centric narrative that previous studies of traditional Chinese history have lacked. A History of Chu documents the entirety of the Chu’s remarkable and dramatic existence. 

Volume 2 details the periods of internal strife and prosperity during the Chu’s contention for power. The Chu state reached the height of its power under the reign of King Zhuang, who was deemed as one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period. After the Chu entered into a truce agreement with another hegemonic state, the Jin, in 546 BCE, inter-state annexation gave prevalence to inner-state frictions.